Whitewater Hand Paddles

ABSTRACT

A hand paddle having a handle (hand grip) attached to the hand paddle blade allows the user to grip the hand paddle intuitively and ergonomically for use in whitewater with kayaks or boats. The paddle blade has a contoured hand well, which allows the handle to be positioned closer to the hand paddle blade substantially reducing the rotating force (torque) to the user&#39;s hands. The handle configuration allows user to quickly release the paddle in order to use hands in case of an emergency. The hand paddle further comprises a hand strap to prevent the paddle from rotating/pivoting in the user&#39;s hands. The hand paddle further comprises a lanyard, designed to break away under the weight of the user, securing the hand paddle to the user&#39;s wrist or forearm.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a hand paddle, and more particularly to a hand paddle having a handle (hand grip) attached to the hand paddle blade allowing the user to grip the hand paddle intuitively and ergonomically for use in whitewater with kayaks or boats.

2. Description of Related Art

A numerous hand paddles as an aid for providing swimmer speed, muscle build-up or endurance training, or merely as an aid for enjoyable swimming is known in the prior art. Hand paddles can also be used with kayaking or playboating.

The majority of hand paddles are designed to be worn on and maneuvered by open palms of users. A hand paddle's blade typically consists of a planar member roughly in the outline of a hand, which may have openings or apertures or support for fingers or a palm, and a strap or brace on one side of the blade to accommodate the hand. Exemplary patents include U.S. Pat. No. 4,913,418 to Schlueter et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,511,998 to Johnson; U.S. Pat. No. 5,651,710 to Rives et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,842,896 to Liveoak; U.S. Pat. No. 6,019,650 to Rives et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,537,117 to Larson et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,125,299 to Ross Jr.; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,494,395 to Krikliwy et al.

Typically, this type of hand paddles are worn by swimmers for swimming training to increase speed, muscle build-up, and endurance, they may not be suitable for other outdoor activities such as kayaking, and boating regardless there is one commercially available hand paddles of this type for kayaking or playboating. Some of them may be made of relatively flat flexible material; the fast speed of whitewater may cause the paddle wobble or flutter; thus, the user needs to expend energy and tighten their fingers to hold the paddles through the stroke. It is more likely for fingers and wrist to get injured when hit obstacles while paddling in rapid water if a hand is in open posture (open palm) than in a closed posture (a fist). Such paddle cannot feasibly be used for an extended length of time without straining or exhausting the user. Most of these types of hand paddles are not easy to access or release; thus, it is not suitable for whitewater activities, which has higher probability of emergency.

Yet another design for hand paddles consists of a flat blade having an integral hand grip permitting the user to grip onto the paddle by grasping the hand grip. Exemplary patents of this type of design include U.S. Pat. No. 4,233,925 to Proctor, U.S. Pat. No. 6,398,603 to Brown, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,795,201 to Tibbetts (1998). U.S. Pat. No. 6,398,603 to Brown discloses hand paddles for swimmers, while U.S. Pat. No. 4,233,925 to Proctor and U.S. Pat. No. 5,795,201 to Tibbetts are hand paddles for shallow draft boats and similar craft, canoe, and kayak.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,795,201 disclosed a one-handed canoe paddle having a blade portion with integral hand grip portion and a arm brace/cuff portion. The hand grip is integral with the blade and is at an angle to the centerline of the paddle approximating the angle which a closed hand makes with the centerline of the forearm when the hand and forearm are in alignment. U.S. Pat. No. 4,233,925 disclosed a plastic paddle of unitary construction defining a hand grip with a wrist engageable portion at one end, and a blade portion at the opposite end, which blade has a tapered cross sectional shape with flanges defined along its marginal edges to achieve maximum strength from a minimum material, and the paddle material itself being formed of plastic to a uniform thickness for economy in manufacture.

These paddles do not provide a means for properly positioning the hand on the paddle and/or a means for intuitively and ergonomically placing the hand in a proper form to maximize stroke efficiency in kayaking or boat rowing. For example, because the paddle is made of rigid material, the wrist or arm portion is not flexible, constant friction of wrist or arm against the wrist/arm portion may cause users uneasiness. Although the larger size of paddle blade has larger areas for water engagement and produces more movement, it also consumes more energy to maneuver, causing users stress and exhaustion. Because the paddle blade is long, the storage may be a problem.

Thus, there is a need for a hand paddle that provides for improved hand position on the paddle and proper hand form during each stroke. A hand paddle using a different mechanism to apply force onto the paddle blade (maneuver the paddle blade) is needed. A hand paddle that are within strength and endurance capabilities of kayaking enthusiasts without causing the aforementioned stress, exhaustion, or other discomfort, while at the same time providing an enhanced safety factor with respect to striking obstacles in the water.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the foregoing, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a hand held paddle that allows positioning hand intuitively and ergonomically so as to minimize stresses on the user's hands. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a hand paddle of which the grips substantially prevent the hand paddle from rotating in the user's hands and can be used in whitewater . . . . It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a hand paddle that allows user to quickly release the paddle in order to use hands in case of an emergency.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is disclosed a hand paddle for use in whitewater (with use of kayaks, boats, etc.) comprising: a hand paddle blade; an ergonomic handle directly attached to the paddle blade; an adjustable hand strap integrated into both of the handle and paddle blade; and a lanyard attached to the paddle blade securing the hand paddle to the user's wrist or forearm.

Hand paddle blade of the present invention is a generally planar member, which may be of any shape, preferably, a quadrilateral shape with round corners. The preferred dimensions are about 12 inches in length and about 10.75 inches in width; while these proportions may vary. The paddle blade may be constructed from any relatively rigid material to increase propulsion force, such as poly-synthetic material, plastics, nylon, carbon-reinforced nylon, carbon fiber, and/or other material suitable for the intended purpose.

The handle being attached directly to hand side of the paddle blade allows the user to grip the hand paddle intuitively and ergonomically. On the same side underneath the handle, a hand well is contoured in the paddle blade allows the handle to be positioned closer to the hand paddle blade substantially reducing the rotating force (torque) to the user's hands. The ergonomic handle is positioned and has a grip contoured to fit a user's hand so as to position the hand at natural gripping angles. The contour of the grip substantially prevents the hand paddle from rotating in the user's hands. The handle configuration allows quick, easy access to the paddle and also allows quick release of the paddle in order to use hands in case of an emergency.

The hand paddle further has an adjustable strap, of which one end is integrated into the paddle blade and the other end is integrated into the handle, to prevent the paddle from rotating/pivoting in the user's hands.

A lanyard, with its both ends integrated into the paddle blade secures the hand paddle to the user's wrist or forearm. The lanyard is designed to break away under the weight of the user.

The paddle blade may be constructed of various types of material known in the art, preferably, of rigid material so that the fluid dynamics for maneuverability can be enhanced. They may be made from poly-synthetic material, plastics, nylon, carbon-reinforced nylon, carbon fiber, and/or other material suitable for the intended purpose. The paddle blade may be manufactured by injection molding.

The more important features of the invention have thus been outlined in order that the more detailed description that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may better be appreciated. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter and will form the subject matter of the claims that follow.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The foregoing has outlined, rather broadly, the preferred feature of the present invention so that those skilled in the art may better understand the detailed description of the invention that follows. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they can readily use the disclosed conception and specific embodiment as a basis for designing or modifying other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention and that such other structures do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description, the appended claim, and the accompanying drawings in which similar elements are given similar reference numerals.

FIG. 1A is a perspective top view of an embodiment of a left hand paddle;

FIG. 1B is a perspective top view of an embodiment of a right hand paddle.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a left hand paddle in operation; FIG. 2B is a perspective view of an embodiment of a left hand paddle in operation.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a left hand paddle when paddle is released from hand.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, there are disclosed a perspective top view of an embodiment of a left hand paddle 1 (FIG. 1A) and a right hand paddle 1 (FIG. 1B) according to the present invention. All the elements in left hand paddle 1 and right hand paddle 1 are same, thus, they are given same reference numerals. The hand paddle 1 comprises: a hand paddle blade 10, an ergonomic handle 20, an adjustable hand strap 30, which is integrated into the handle and paddle blade; and a lanyard 40 designed to break away under the weight of the user, secures the hand paddle to the user's wrist or forearm.

Hand paddle blade 10 should be constructed of any relatively rigid material to enhance fluid dynamics, They may be made from poly-synthetic material, plastics, nylon, carbon-reinforced nylon, carbon fiber, and/or other material suitable for the intended purpose. Hand paddle blade 10 may be of any shape, preferably, a quadrilateral shape with about round corners as disclosed in FIG. 1. While these proportions may vary, a paddle blade width 11, 13, of about 12 inches and a length 12, 14 of about 10.75 inches have been found to be preferred dimensions that provide sufficient leverage and area for paddling and create strong fluid dynamics without causing users stress and exhaustion while at the same time providing and enhanced safety factor with respect to striking obstacles in the water. To enhance movement (e.g. rowing, propelling, etc.) strength of paddles in water, the four edges 11, 12, 13, 14 and/or the hand side and waterside 15, 16 may be designed with smooth curvature and/or contour. Here in FIGS. 1A and 1B, it is apparent that the paddle is of a curved configuration having a convex hand side 15, and a concaved waterside 16.

The handle 20, with both ends attached directly to the hand paddle blade 10 is transversely disposed at about one third of the length from the front edge 11 and on the hand side 15 of the blade 10 allowing the user to grip the hand paddle 1 intuitively and ergonomically. A hand well 50 is a contoured region underneath the handle 20 on the hand side 15 of the paddle blade 10 allowing the handle 20 to be positioned closer to the hand paddle blade 10 thus substantially reducing the rotating force (torque) to the user's hands. The ergonomic handle 20 is positioned and has a grip contoured to fit a user's hand, so that the user can grasp the hand paddle 1 at natural gripping angles. The contour of the grip substantially prevents the hand paddle 1 from rotating in the user's hands. The handle 20 configuration also allows user to quickly release the paddle 1 in order to use hands in case of an emergency. Since the hand curled around the grip to maneuver the paddle, injury to user's fingers is less likely to occur if the paddle strikes a rock or obstacle in the water. Instead of using open palms to push the paddle the user maneuver the paddle by rowing or rocking motion which will improve the paddle's performance. The grip of handle 20 may or may not have profiles for the user's fingers.

The hand paddle 1 further has an adjustable wrist strap 30, of which one end is integrated into the paddle blade 10 and the other end is integrated into the handle 20, to prevent the paddle 1 from rotating/pivoting in the user's hands. At the same time the wrist strap provides and enhances safety factor with respect to striking obstacles in the water. The adjustable wrist strap allows wrist to have more flexibility through strokes, thus, it is ergonomic and more comfortable.

A lanyard 40, with its both ends integrated into the paddle blade 10, secures the hand paddle 1 to the user's wrist or forearm. The lanyard 40 is designed to break away under the weight of the user.

FIG. 2A demonstrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a left hand paddle 1 in use and FIG. 2B demonstrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a right hand paddle 1 in use where the user's hand grasps the handle 20 naturally and ergonomically with the strap 30 against the back of the user's hand so as to prevent the paddle blade 10 from rotating/pivoting. The lanyard 40 worn on the user's hand secures the hand paddle 1 to the user's hand no matter whether the user grasps or releases the handle 20. In case of an emergency, the user releases the handle 20 in order to use hands for other purpose; the lanyard 40 keeps the hand paddle 1 from floating away or getting lost if separated from the user's hand. FIG. 3 shows how hand paddle 1 is retained by lanyard 40 when user releases handle 20. It also demonstrates that the handle 20 configuration allows easy releasing of handle 20 for a user to free hands for other use in case of an emergency.

While there have been shown and described and pointed out the fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention and not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments discussed were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are entitled. 

1. A hand paddle comprising: a paddle blade; an ergonomic handle attached to the paddle blade; a hand strap having two ends, one end is integrated into the paddle blade, the other end is integrated into the handle; and a lanyard of which both ends are integrated into the paddle blade.
 2. The hand paddle of claim 1, wherein the paddle blade may be of various shapes, and preferably of quadrilateral shape.
 3. The hand paddle of claim 2, wherein the paddle blade may be about 12 inches in width and about 10.75 inches in length.
 4. The hand paddle of claim 1, wherein the paddle blade may be constructed from rigid material.
 5. The hand paddle of claim 4, wherein the paddle blade may be constructed from one of plastics, nylon, carbon-reinforced nylon, or carbon fiber.
 6. The hand paddle of claim 4, wherein the paddle blade may be constructed using injection molding manufacturing process.
 7. The hand paddle of claim 1, wherein a hand well is contoured in the paddle blade, which allows the handle to be positioned closer to the hand paddle blade substantially reducing the rotating force (torque) to the user's hands.
 8. The hand paddle of claim 1, wherein the handle being positioned and contoured so as to position the user's hand at natural gripping angles.
 9. The hand paddle of claim 8, wherein the contours of the handle substantially prevent the hand paddle from rotating in the user's hands.
 10. The hand paddle of claim 8, wherein the handle configuration allows user to quickly release the paddle in order to use hands in case of an emergency.
 11. The hand paddle of claim 1, wherein the hand strap is adjustable and able to prevent the paddle blade from rotating/pivoting in the user's hands.
 12. The hand paddle of claim 1, wherein the lanyard, designed to break away under the weight of the user, secures the hand paddle to the user's wrist or forearm.
 13. A hand paddle comprising: a paddle blade having a contoured hand well; an ergonomic handle transversely attached to the paddle blade wherein the contoured hand well underneath the handle allows the handle to be positioned closer to the hand paddle blade thus substantially reducing the rotating force (torque) to the user's hands, the handle configuration allows quick release of hand paddle in case of an emergency; an adjustable hand strap having two ends, one end is integrated into the paddle blade, the other end is integrated into the handle, the adjustable hand strap is able to prevent the paddle blade from rotating/pivoting in the user's hands; and a lanyard of which both ends are integrated into the paddle blade for securing the hand paddle to the user's wrist or forearm.
 14. The hand paddle of claim 13, wherein the paddle blade is constructed from rigid material such as plastics, nylon, carbon-reinforced nylon, or carbon fiber.
 15. The hand paddle of claim 13, wherein the paddle blade is of various shape, preferably a quadrilateral shape with about 12 inches in width and about 10.75 inches in length.
 16. A hand paddle comprising: a paddle blade constructed from rigid material such as plastics, nylon, carbon-reinforced nylon, or carbon fiber, being in a quadrilateral shapes, having a contoured hand well. an ergonomic handle transversely attached to the paddle blade wherein the contoured hand well underneath the handle allows the handle to be positioned closer to the hand paddle blade thus substantially reducing the rotating force (torque) to the user's hands, the handle configuration allows quick release of hand paddle in case of an emergency; an adjustable hand strap having two ends, one end is integrated into the paddle blade, the other end is integrated into the handle, the adjustable hand strap is able to prevent the paddle blade from rotating/pivoting in the user's hands; and a lanyard of which both ends are integrated into the paddle blade for securing the hand paddle to the user's wrist or forearm. 